Whidbey News-Times

Complaints delayed about Oak Harbor pool director

Nearly 30 people showed up to the Oak Harbor pool Friday night to hear complaints a former employee has about the park district’s director.

Instead, the elected body decided to adjourn the meeting without taking any testimony from former employee Vikki Robinson about North Whidbey Park and Recreation District Director Bill Walker.

Scott Vogt, president of the five-member board of commissioners, said at the start of the special meeting that Walker is the only employee the board hires.

He also quoted the Revised Code of Washington regulations outlining when the board could meet in closed, executive session. He noted that an elected body could go into executive session to receive and evaluates complaints against a public officer or employee. He added that Walker could decide to hold such a meeting in a public forum; however, that didn’t happen that night.

“He is not requesting a public meeting at this time,” Vogt said. Walker didn’t attend the Friday evening special meeting.

Robinson had been an administrative assistant at the North Whidbey Park and Recreation District for four years when her employment recently ended.

Four of the five park commissioners — Lisa Clark, Sean Merrill, Vogt and Harvey Prosser — offered to meet with Robinson in executive session. She decided to wait on such a hearing until she brought legal representation with her.

“I was hoping I could bring out some of my concerns,” Robinson said in a brief interview. She didn’t provide any details about her concerns.

Vogt said the Friday evening meeting was scheduled because it was the most expeditious way to get the commissioners to attend to this matter.